What to Know About Underpads
When caring for someone who struggles with incontinence, underpads and mattress covers are ideal supplies to have on hand in case of leakage. They provide superior protection for chairs, beds, wheelchairs, and other surfaces.
- Underpads are used to protect mattresses, bedding, and furniture from body fluids such as urine and sweat. Available in a variety of sizes and absorbencies, they can also be used to protect against spills and stains. Ideal for use on car seats for travel purposes. They come in both reusable and disposable varieties.
- Mattress covers protect mattresses from liquids, stains, and dirt and come in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes.
FAQ's:
What are underpads used for?
Underpads, also called “chux” or “bed pads,” are absorbent pads used to protect furniture. These can be placed on a bed, wheelchair, or any other surface and have an absorbent core that locks away moisture and a waterproof plastic-backing that prevents liquid from passing through. Underpads are great for additional incontinence protection, wound care needs, or changing enteral feeding or ostomy supplies.
Can I fold or cut my underpad to make it more fitted to my needs?
We do not recommend that underpads be folded or cut. Since the top side of an underpad is absorbent, and the bottom is waterproof, folding these products tends to lead to leaks (the topsheet cannot absorb properly, and the backing cannot prevent liquid from passing through). Cutting an underpad tends to spill out the polymers or fluff that make it absorbent, degrading the quality of the product.
What causes urinary incontinence?
When you urinate, the muscles in your bladder contract and move your urine into the urethra, while the muscles around the urethra relax in order to allow urine to exit the body. Urinary incontinence typically occurs when these muscles relax without warning.
What can I do to help with urge incontinence?
Avoiding foods and beverages like the ones listed here can lessen the severity of urge incontinence.
Are there special cleansers for people with incontinence?
If you have a bladder accident, not only is it imperative that you change your pad and underwear as soon as possible, but you should also wash and dry the area to remove bacteria and prevent the skin from becoming further irritated. Special cleansers that have been designed for incontinence usually contain moisturizer and have been pH-balanced to reduce skin irritation.
What’s the difference between underpads vs. mattress protectors vs. protective sheets?
Underpads
- The plastic has absorbent polymers inside that provide a barrier against all types of moisture, including urine and fecal matter, foods, and beverages.
- Underpads offer a convenient, protective solution in almost any situation. You can put them on your loved one’s wheelchair, in the passenger seat of the car, or under the fitted sheet in your loved one’s bed.
Mattress Protectors
- Waterproof coverings that look similar to a fitted sheet. Some envelop your entire mattress and have a zipper; others fit snugly over the corners of your mattress with elastic.
- They have an absorbent, comfortable underlayer made of vinyl or polyurethane laminate. These materials repel liquid and reduce bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors and stains.
Protective sheets
- An affordable alternative to mattress protectors. They look and feel like normal bedsheets, but have absorbent properties. This type of incontinence protection is particularly beneficial if your loved one spends several nights a week in a medical facility or care home.
Related Articles:
Protective Bedding: Underpads vs Mattress Protectors vs Protective Sheets
How to Deal with Elderly Incontinence: A Practical 5-Step Guide
Carewell’s Essential Checklist for Urinary Incontinence Care
Combating Incontinence with Kegels
8 Diet Tips to Help Manage an Overactive Bladder
Hygiene, Health, and Incontinence
Disposable vs Reusable Underpads
Checklist for Traveling with Urinary Incontinence
